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Last Updated on November 20, 2023
You’ve probably heard that sunglasses are critical to protecting your eye health, but not all sunglasses work the same. In general, you’re looking for protection against UV light, a form of electromagnetic radiation that’s invisible to the human eye, that may come from the sun, as well as artificial sources like tanning beds, certain types of lasers and lamps, and welding equipment. These rays can more easily penetrate the eye tissues compared to visible light, raising the risk of eye problems in the long term.
Although sunglasses are the best way to protect your vision, you must choose carefully to ensure they do the job and fit your lifestyle needs. In some cases, sunglasses with polarized lenses can offer greater protection compared to traditional sunglasses that only provide UV protection. With many noteworthy differences between the two, here’s some information that can help you decide which sunglasses to go with.
What’s the difference between polarized and non-polarized sunglasses?
Non-polarized
Having glasses with UV protection is the best way to protect your eyes from harmful rays that can cause damage. However, not all sunglasses offer UV protection, and contrary to popular belief, it is not the darkness of the tint that protects your eyes. Instead, you should choose sunglasses with UV-blocking material that indicate protection against 99% to 100% UVA and UVB rays or are marked with a UV400 rating. The UV coating on these lenses more effectively absorbs and reflects harmful light, preventing it from bouncing back into your eyes. This reduces the likelihood of eye damage and complications like cataracts or age-related macular degeneration. However, UV-blocking material does not necessarily protect your eyes from glare.
Polarized
Polarized sunglasses reduce glare that may lead to fatigue, squinting, or temporary blindness. The filter applied to the lenses works like vertical slats that block horizontal light, keeping them from reaching your eyes. Since they’re often intended for outdoor use, polarized lenses come in different lens colors to suit various conditions. Blue lenses are excellent for harsh sunlight, green for high-contrast vision, and gray silver for reducing fatigue. Some sunglasses with polarized coatings also come with mirrored lenses, allowing reflected light to bounce away from the eye and delivering enhanced contrast, color, and visual acuity. Do note that the coatings used for polarized lenses do not have the same function as those with UV-blocking properties, so ensure your polarized sunglasses include both.
Which one do you need?
When you need polarized sunglasses
Polarized sunglasses reduce glare, bouncing off horizontal surfaces like water, snow, or glass. They can also sharpen contrast, heighten color perception, and increase visual comfort. This makes them great for daytime activities like water or outdoor sports and driving during the day. If your lifestyle involves frequently spending time in the sun, polarized sunglasses are perfect for reducing eye strain or discomfort caused by glare, helping you avoid headaches, migraines, and visual obstructions.
When you don’t need polarized sunglasses
Of course, not every activity calls for polarized sunglasses since they can limit vision in certain cases, too. Polarized lenses can make screens look blurry. So, if you frequently need to look at your phone or laptop, traditional sunglasses may be better for protecting you from blue light emitted by digital devices, which may cause vision problems in the long run. Polarized lenses can also cause visual disorientation and may have a dimming effect since they block horizontal light. That’s why, for overcast days or everyday use, traditional sunglasses may be more beneficial to you.
Investing in your eye health is one of the most important ways to maintain an excellent quality of life long-term. By understanding the difference between polarized and traditional sunglasses, you can protect your eyes in a way that suits your lifestyle.
